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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment his departure was confirmed to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, throughout faced a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status currently view him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork defaced bearing negative messages prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that supporters consider as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, supporters singing passionately, both for his display and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face in town, confirming he was now part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he received clear confirmation when he trotted on alongside the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response repeated when his name announced.

At the moment when he could avoid the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as a late replacement as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival proved brutal, including derisive boos after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound supporters recalling players who remained faithful through potential moves to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes all of your time as you intensely desire to improve the situation, but you also try to be the same manager and character amid victories.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened denied the Reds what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories where he stopped them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, preventing goals from the midfielder and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches during his German career. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, conditions remained unfavorable for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|